The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Styles - Kelly George Fearless Homeschool - Fearless ...

The Ultimate Guide
 to Homeschooling
      Styles

       Kelly George
    Fearless Homeschool

                          made with

Table of Contents

1.   Introduction

2.   So, what IS a homeschooling style?

3.   Unschooling

4.   Classical Homeschooling

5.   Charlotte Mason

6.   Unit Studies

7.   Steiner / Waldorf Homeschooling

8.   Montessori Homeschooling

9.   Project-Based Homeschooling

10. Eclectic Homeschooling

11. What's your homeschool adventure?

Introduction

When most people start consider homeschooling they assume they'll be
recreating school, just at home. While some people choose to do that,
there are MANY other styles available. And once you start looking
through all of these styles it can get very overwhelming, very quickly.
There's a whole new language to learn.

You can soon get bogged down in comparing the merits of classical
education vs radical unschooling and using a complete curriculum vs
picking and choosing resources. And how can a book be living, anyway?

   So, I wrote an ebook to help you choose the styles that will
    integrate homeschooling successfully into your lifestyle.

In this ebook, we'll take a tour through the most popular styles of
homechooling.

 Unschooling --- Classical --- Charlotte Mason --- Unit Studies ---
Steiner/Waldorf --- Montessori --- Project-based Homeschooling
                          --- Eclectic

Links to further resources and curriculum examples are provided to
enable you to delve deeply into the methods that attract you, and
create a clear educational philosophy for your family. I hope you find
the contents full of inspiration and ideas.

                     Kelly George

                     Fearless Homeschool

So, what IS a
homeschooling style?

Homeschooling styles are also called homeschooling methods or
approaches. Each is based on a philosophy of learning. Some styles, like
Montessori, were developed for schools and have been adapted to
homeschooling, while others, like unschooling, are specific to
homeschooling.

Each differs in significant ways. They can be child-led or parent-led,
highly structured or very unstructured. Some styles advocate spending
lots of time outside. Others are very low-tech. Some require lots of
specific equipment while others prefer you hand-make your own
equipment.

And they can be really overwhelming because of those differences!

Some parents believe that they need to choose a style and stick to it.
Some parents do stick very strictly to a style because they find it suits
them and their child. However, most people find at least some parts of
a style doesn't suit them at.

The lesson to take from this is that homeschooling styles don't have
to be prescriptive.

You can be a high-tech classical homeschooler. You can be an atheist
Charlotte Mason devotee. You can be an unschooler with strict
bedtimes.

Homeschooling is like a choose your own adventure novel. You
have endless options to choose from, and nothing stopping you from
designing your own unique homeschool.

Take what you need from the following overview of styles. Customise

one style to suit you, or take a pinch of many styles and mix them all
together.

As a rough guide, the following infographic ranks the styles covered
within this ebook (plus distance education) on a continuum. This is
based on the pure methods. You will get people using classical
resources in a very unstructured way, or unschoolers who talk about
their maths curriculum.

The phrase to remember?

Use what works for you.

Unschooling

The term unschooling was created by John Holt, who defined
unschooling as “allowing children as much freedom to learn in the world
as their parents can comfortably bear”. Unschooling may also be called
natural learning, child-led learning, interest-led learning, or self-directed
learning.

The problem is that unschoolers generally like to do things their
own way, so coming up with a concise, all-inclusive definition is very
difficult!

The premise of unschooling is that children have a natural love of
learning. Anyone who has spent time with a toddler knows that this is
true! Unschoolers seek to maintain and nurture this natural love.
Instead of deciding what 'should' be learnt at a certain age, unschooled
children decide what they would like to learn, and when. This way, the
natural love of learning stays alive. The parent's role is to facilitate
and support this learning by providing an educationally rich
environment, plenty of child-centred learning materials, and lots of time
spent assisting the child in whatever ways they need. In this way, the
process of learning is the focus, not the content.

Life itself is learning, indistinguishable from school. When you
think about it, this is how we learn as adults if we are curious. We have
interests, we work out how to learn about it, using whatever resources
we're able to access, and we follow our own motivation and reasons
rather than someone else's. Why not begin in childhood?

Critics say that unschooling is neglect, that children will not
learn unless made to. But unschooling involves a large investment of
time and effort on behalf of the parent, who assists the child in
whatever ways they require - finding resources, mindful strewing,
teaching skills needed (such as note taking, sounding out words, or how
to use the camera), and taking them places. Ignoring and neglecting
your children is NOT unschooling - that's unparenting.

Unschooling is not the lazy option.

Believing children will not learn without force and coercion is a sad
result of the modern school system, where children must be made to
learn things they aren't interested in or ready for, and as a predictable
result display resistance and apathy. The typical unschooled child is
voracious and insatiable when it comes to following their interests, and
is filled with curiosity and excitement at the world around them.

Radical unschooling

As unschooling became more mainstream, and somewhat diluted,
radical unschooling arose. In radical unschooling, unschooling
extends beyond education and into all areas. The child is in
complete control of their life - they decide what they will eat and when

they'll eat it, what clothing is appropriate, and what time they will go to
bed. The parent does not hold any activity as 'worthwhile' or 'not
worthwhile', so there is no push to learn maths or to put a limit on video
game playing. Parents have full trust in their child to do what they need
to do, to live their life in the way that is best to them, and don't believe
that they have the right to interfere or place rules and restrictions on
that. However, there is a general agreement that parents will still
facilitate their child's learning by providing resources and opportunities.

Just like unschooling, radical unschooling is NOT neglect,
unparenting, or lazy. Instead, it is placing full trust and respect in
your children, and truly partnering with them.

The Good Points

  Unschooling instils lifelong learning as a habit
  Children learn an astonishing amount, very quickly, when learning is
  interest-led
  Children develop their own sense of discipline, which is needed to dig
  deeply into topics and learn the not-so-interesting parts of them
  It can create an extremely close relationship between parents and
  children, as there is no coercion, rules or authoritarian/rebellious
  behaviour to create conflict
  It can also create strong bonds between siblings, as they work
  together in a non-competitive environment, with no divisions
  between age and ability
  Structuring your own learning and setting your own schedule are
  essential skills for further education, which school does not prepare

students for

The Not-So-Good Points

  There are concerns as to whether children can truly regulate things
  which are addictive eg. sugar, video games
  Some children, such as those with special needs, may not learn
  things intuitively, and may need regular, repetitive teaching of core
  skills
  Sometimes children may need the parent to step in and impose rules
  or restrictions. This may be as simple as, 'you MUST brush your
  teeth', or as complicated as, 'no, you may NOT hang out with the
  criminal element'
  If a child is expected to teach themselves everything, it can be akin
  to them reinventing the wheel. Avoiding phonics instruction because
  you'd like your child to learn to read 'naturally' may simply be
  creating more work and frustration for them
  It can be more difficult to obtain registration (but is still possible in
  Australia)
  Unschooling is usually not suitable if you plan to send your child to
  school in the future, unless you plan to have an intensive period
  beforehand where you ensure they're at grade-level in all areas

More Resources
Interested in unschooling? Take a look at these resources.

                    Read an unschooling day in the life

         Read another unschooling day in the life - on a boat!

  The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World as
                 Your Child's Classroom - Mary Griffith.

                  A must-read for all new homeschoolers.

                               Book | Kindle

Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling - John
                                 Holt

                        Book | Kindle | Website

                   How Children Learn - John Holt

                        Book | Kindle | Website

   Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory
                   Schooling - John Taylor Gatto

                        Book | Kindle | Website

          The Unschooling Unmanual - Nanda Van Gestel

                                 Book

              Sandra Dodd's Big Book of Unschooling

                            Book | Website

And take a look at my Unschooling Pinterest board to discover more
fantastic resources that will help you get started with unschooling.

Classical Homeschooling

The classical education method aims to teach children how to
think, rather than what to think.There is a strong focus on
communication and logic skills and providing a broad and deep
historical knowledge base to apply these skills to. Material is presented
in a 'parts to whole' format - therefore, phonics are taught, grammar
is important, and when languages are learned declension and
conjugation is a focus. There is a strong focus on paper and pencil, with
the use of technology kept to a minimum in young children, and used
mindfully as they get older. The 'Great Books', from Plato to
Dostoyevsky, are studied, and the interconnections between all
knowledge emphasised.

The History of the Classical Method
The ancient Greeks and Romans developed many of the ideas and
methods of classical education, and in the Middle Ages these methods
were refined, organised and applied much more systematically. This is
when the term 'Trivium' (three ways) originated. The revival of classical
education in the modern era is largely attributed to an essay published
in 1947, The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers, which laments

the lack of focus on teaching students how to think in modern
education, and the over-specialisation of topics, and calls for a return to
the classical method of the Trivium.

The Trivium
The Trivium consists of grammar, logic and rhetoric. The most popular
modern interpretation of classical education provides four years of
education in each stage. These are not prescriptive; if a child is early or
late to a stage the stages can be adapted. It can also be implemented
with older students.

Grammar (aka language) generally covers grades 1-4. At this age
children are usually fascinated by language and words, so the focus is
on mastering the skills of reading, writing and basic maths, and getting
an interesting introduction to history, science and the arts. This stage
aims to equip a child with the basis of knowledge that will allow them to
build on over their education. It includes rote memorisation of important
base facts and rules.

Logic (aka thought) usually covers grades 5-8. This is the age when
children start to challenge ideas instead of accepting them, therefore
critical thinking and analysis is introduced. With the strong basis laid
down in the grammar stage the child is now capable of applying and
connecting that knowledge in a systematic way.

Rhetoric (aka speech and expression) generally covers grades 9-12.
Children are eager to express their ideas, and the rhetoric stage
teaches them to do this logically, eloquently and persuasively.

The Good Points

  It provides a rigorous, comprehensive base of knowledge
  As it focuses on tools and foundations of learning, classical education
  equips a child very well for further independent and/or formal study
  Skills in reading, writing, logic and speaking are more important than
  ever with the advent of the internet and the information economy
  It encompasses virtue and morals based on historical study and
  appraisal
  Suits the stages of child development

The Not-So-Good Points

  It requires quite a lot of parental assistance, especially in the early
  stages. This is not a method for the free-flowing and easygoing types!
  Some find the emphasis on rote memorisation, narration and
  dictation onerous
  Children with different learning styles may find the focus on text-
  based materials does not suit them

Further Resources
The Well-Trained Mind | A Guide to Classical Education at Home
                - Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise

                         Book | eBook | Website

  The Core | Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical
                      Education - Leigh Bortins

Book | eBook

Trivium Mastery | The Intersection of Three Roads: How to Give
    your Child an Authentic Classical Home Education - Diane
                            Lockman

                         Book | eBook | Website

 Designing your own Classical Curriculum | A Guide to Catholic
                  Home Education - Laura Berquist

                              Book | eBook

Also, take a look at my Classical Homeschooling board on Pinterest to
discover fantastic resources that will help you set up your own classical-
style homeschool.

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) was an English educator who believed
that an education should address the whole person, not simply the
mind. Although this may seem an everyday idea now, it was radical at
the time. She wrote a six-volume set detailing her theories and
approach, which is available to purchase or read free online. The
Charlotte Mason style has a strong base in Christianity, but the ideas
and methods can be easily applied by all families.

A Charlotte Mason Atmosphere
The atmosphere includes the physical atmosphere, plus the atmosphere
of ideas/family. Charlotte believed that children should live in an
atmosphere of sincerity and truth, and bringing environments down to
what an adult believes to be a child's level belittles children's abilities.
She also believed that parents must model the ideals that they want
their children to emulate. Yes, that means that us parents need to take
note of how we act and react and aspire to act out those ideal
behaviours we want to see in our children!

A Charlotte Mason Discipline

The development of good habits through character education is a large
part of the Charlotte Mason method. From household chores to
obedience, hygiene to being on time, Charlotte advocated training
bad habits out of, and good habits into, children. One habit is
focussed on at a time - for example, saying please and thankyou. The
parent works intensively on replacing lack of manners with the
appropriate manners at every opportunity. When the child is reliably
saying please and thankyou, another habit is chosen and focussed on.

As an example of how discipline is incorporated in a Charlotte Mason
education, lessons are provided in short sessions in the early years of
education. If attention wanes, the lesson is switched to a different topic
that requires a different focus eg. from maths to narration. In this way,
the child's ability to focus attention is developed gently and naturally
over time.

A Charlotte Mason Life
Charlotte emphasised the use of living resources. Living resources are
quality literature written by authors who are passionate, engaging and
interesting, as opposed to textbooks reciting facts. Living books and
resources should spark interest, hold attention and provide quality role
models. Children study the arts and music, and also spend large
quantities of time outside, and keep detailed nature journals. External
incentives and rewards are believed to be detrimental, as a child's
curiousity and nature are enough to ensure their education. Quality of
resources are emphasised over quantity, and children are exposed to a
wide range of topics and areas and encouraged to delve deeply into

those that interest them most.

The Good Points
  The books and resources are typically interesting for both parent and
  child
  Strives to develop good character and habits
  No busy-work (I love Charlotte Mason's term, 'twaddle', for junk)
  Nurtures creativity and a love of nature
  Children are exposed to a wide range of topics and learning, with a
  focus on classic work that will not date

The Not-So-Good Points
  There is no set curriculum, so there is more work for the parent
  The realm of living books can be overwhelming - with so much to
  choose from it can be difficult to choose what will suit you
  Cost. Curriculum resources and living books can be very expensive
  As a child approaches higher levels of study (eg. physics, higher
  maths) there may not be a way to use the Charlotte Mason approach.
  However, the classical method can tie in quite well.

Further Resources
The Original Home Schooling Series - Charlotte Mason

Book | FREE online!

    Habits: The Mother's Secret to Success - Charlotte Mason

                             Book | eBook

A Charlotte Mason Education: A Homeschooling How-to Manual

                                 Book

A Twaddle-Free Education: An Introduction to Charlotte Mason's
        Timeless Education Ideas - Deborah Taylor-Hough

                             Book | eBook

Want plenty more ideas about Charlotte Mason homeschooling? Head
over and check out my Charlotte Mason board on Pinterest, for
curriculum, living books and more!

Unit Studies

Unit studies involve choosing a theme, then organising work covering
subject areas around that theme. A theme could be a classic novel, a
topic such as France, stingrays or trucks, or a historical period. Unit
studies can be as brief as a week, or last for months. You can do one
topic at a time or switch between a few. They're a great way to learn in
depth about a topic and have your child delve deeply into (and satisfy)
their interests and curiosity.

An example of a unit study on bread
Bread. Doesn't sound very interesting to most people, right? But
organising a unit study around it proves surprisingly easy! Here are
some ideas for activities related to bread - there's plenty more.

  Research the history of breadmaking. Write an age-appropriate
  summary of it
  Make a variety of yeasted and unyeasted breads
  Capture your own sourdough culture and make sourdough bread
  Research and make breads specific to different historical periods,
  cultures or countries. Explore reasons why different breads have

developed in different areas
  Visit a bakery - a modern one and an artisanal one if possible.
  Compare the different methods and appliances used
  Make a poster illustrating different types of bread, or a bread
  timeline
  Investigate the chemistry behind bread and yeasts
  Reading quality stories and poetry involving bread - Terry Pratchett's
  dwarf bread (can be used as a weapon) comes to mind, as does the
  lembas bread in Lord of the Rings or damper in many Australian
  history stories and poems. Read the Gingerbread Man to little ones!
  Investigate hardtack and how and when it has been used in history.
  Make some!
  Write a bread recipe book
  Put on a bread feast or tasting session for friends or family

As you can see, any topic area has the potential to involve learning in
multiple subject areas. Reading, writing, science, technology, history,
maths, geography, botany, art and cooking are all easily covered in the
study of bread. The activities are varied and interesting while being
unified by a central theme.

Finding Resources
Unit studies may be one of the cheapest methods to DIY. Library
resources are a great first stop. From there, internet resources can be
used to investigate further. Maybe a science kit or equipment will be
needed, or ingredients for cooking, or phone calls to organise a related
outing or a chat to an expert (the local homeschool group may
appreciate being involved in these too).

Pre-made unit studies are available, but it can be hard to find the right
resources as recommended (such as all the books in a book list about
plants). It can be easier to organise your own, based around resources
you own or have available at your local library.

The Good Points
  Unit studies encourage in-depth research and learning
  They're fun
  They're easily affordable
  They're excellent for families with multiple age groups, as the tasks
  can be adapted to abilities
  They integrate all subject areas, easily enabling children to see the
  connection between areas of knowledge
  They develop research skills due to the wide-ranging exploration
  needed
  Length can be adapted to suit interest

The Not-So-Good-Points
  Content is highly focussed on, and very well addressed, but specific
  skills aren't. These may need to addressed separately. Many
  homeschoolers cover maths separately, and may add specific topics
  like grammar or science too.
  If using pre-made unit studies it can be difficult and time-consuming
  to find the specific resources recommended

Further Resources
          Unit Studies Made Easy - Valerie Bendt | eBook

    Pre-made Unit Studies and lapbooks based on classic literature

              More unit studies based on classic literature

                      A FREE unit studies planner!

 Want stacks of great ideas for unit studies, many of them free? Check
                 out my Unit Studies board on Pinterest!

Steiner / Waldorf
Homeschooling

The Waldorf educational philosophy is based on the teachings of Rudolf
Steiner (1861-1925), who developed the spiritual concept of
anthroposophy. The first school to be developed along anthroposophical
principles was at the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory, therefore schools
and the education method are called Steiner or Waldorf
interchangeably.

The core of Steiner/Waldorf education is learning through doing. In
support of that, Waldorf homeschooling includes plenty of art, craft,
handwork, dancing, drama and general creation. If you love the arts and
seek to foster a beautiful, calm and rhythmical home environment then
Waldorf may be for you.

A developmental approach is followed in Waldorf education-

  Imitation - Up to age 6/7, the basis is learning from example,
  imitation, and imagination. Lots of outside time, art, craft and
  handwork, and practical activities such as cooking are included.
  Imagination - 6/7-14, more formal academic work begins, but all

subjects are taught through the arts. Learning is facilitated through
  play, stories, nature, drama, handcrafts, music, and dance.
  Discrimination - 14+, a more academic approach is taken. It is
  believed that students are better suited now to dealing with abstract
  concepts and critical thought.

During the second stage, a main lesson (similar to a unit study) is
studied each day for a few weeks, to provide children with an in-depth
investigation of a topic.

The natural world is of central importance. Establishing a rhythm
to the days and years is believed to help children feel secure.
Celebrating festivals for the seasons, solstices and natural events helps
to establish that rhythm. There is a focus on natural materials - wooden
toys, beeswax crayons, and playsilks are popular. Moral and character
development is supported by reading of mythology, biographies, fairy
tales, thereby surrounding children in a positive, virtuous atmosphere.

Contrary to modern education, Waldorf uses no technology until
high school. Steiner education believes a focus on a natural and social
environment is best in the early years, and therefore the focus is on
learning from people, the environment, and direct experience, not
machines.

Formalised testing is minimal to non-existent. The parent is
expected to know the child's abilities by working with them and
observing their work.

The Good Points
 The Waldorf method does arts, crafts and hands-on learning really
 well.
 It nurtures creativity, imagination, and a respect for nature.
 It's cooperative, not competitive.
 It encourages participation in daily tasks, such as cooking and
 chores, from an early age
 The early focus on classical literature and mythology give children a
 strong academic base.
 It's ideal for parents wanting to raise multilingual children -
 languages are introduced early.
 Emphasis on engaging student and developing individual potential
 rather than a one-size-fits-all approach

The Not-So-Good Points
 It's not empirically based. Rudolf Steiner was the sole source of the
 ideas that Waldorf education revolves around. If you're a person who
 likes evidence, some of the concepts will scream 'woo!' to you
 (clairvoyance, gnomes, constellation of soul forces etc.). However,
 the beauty of homeschooling is that you can take what you like and
 discard the rest.
 If you're keen on an early introduction to technology, you'll need to
 incorporate that yourself.
 If your child doesn't fit the stages of academic development (eg. an

early reader) you'll need to change things around a bit.
  Cost. Waldorf requires quite a lot of 'stuff'. Things like playsilks,
  beeswax crayons and Waldorf dolls can be very expensive. You can
  do it on a budget, or DIY, but be prepared to be envious of other
  people who have seemingly unlimited funds and gorgeous
  environments.

Further Resources
A Waldorf curriculum is in the process of being written and submitted to
ACARA-you can download the approved scope and sequence from
Steiner Education Australia to assist with your application and planning.
This curriculum enables the requirements of the National Curriculum to
be met while retaining the Steiner philosophy and approach.

*November 2016 update - The Steiner curriculum has been approved.
The HEA in Queensland are happy to accept it as a base for a
homeschooling plan. Just make sure you include evidence of how you
will tailor it to suit your child's specific needs.

Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out
                       - Jack Petrash

                               Book | Kindle

    Christopherus Curriculum for homeschoolers - many great
                educational resources and guides

        Golden Beetle Books-Alan and Susan Whitehead*

                                  Website

 *To be perfectly honest, I found these books very difficult to read and
     understand. They jump around a lot, and there's quite a lot of
   unnecessary filler. Regardless, they're very comprehensive, and
                      available in many libraries.

   Also, take a look at my Steiner / Waldorf Homeschooling board on
Pinterest to discover fantastic resources and crafty ideas to help you set
                    up your own Steiner homeschool.

Montessori
Homeschooling

The Montessori method of education was created by Maria Montessori
(1870-1952). Originally a physician, Montessori started working with
young children with special needs. After experimenting with methods to
help them learn she then applied the methods she developed to other
children. They helped all children learn, and so the Montessori method
of education was born.

Montessori believed that children learn no matter what.
Therefore, it is better to put effort into improving their environment and
modelling desired behaviour rather than teaching directly. Children
prefer to follow their interests, and need to know a reason for learning
(don’t we all?). Working with them and their abilities enables their
natural love of learning and work ethic to shine and grow.

The Montessori method is structured, but child-led. The parent is
expected to have deep knowledge of the child and their abilities from
observation and interaction. Using this knowledge they can support and
amplify the natural development of the child using prescribed materials

and activities. Montessori developed the theory of sensitive periods –
times when the child is especially receptive to and curious about
particular knowledge or skill. This is a critical time to learn this skill.
Language, numbers, and order are some of the sensitive periods.

Montessori homeschooling seeks to provide opportunities for
the child to do it themselves. Participation in everyday activities
such as chores is specifically encouraged by the provision of child-sized
tools, and teaching the tasks by demonstration. I took on many ideas
from Montessori when my children were toddlers. Providing them with
an easy-to-access, child-suitable environment and equipment made a
visible difference in how they went about their day. They started
washing their own dishes, cleaning up after themselves, and did more
activities independently once the materials were made easily
accessible.

The environment is extremely important. It must be prepared so
children can make discoveries and learn new skills easily, as suits their
‘absorbent mind’. This includes having furniture to suit size, having
specific places for equipment, pictures on walls at their eye level, and
independent activities suitable for their ability. It is important to reduce
clutter, both visual and auditory.

There are specific materials in a Montessori classroom. You may
have seen sandpaper letters, or sandboxes for writing. Each of these is
intended to be introduced at a specific developmental stage, with a
prescribed script and usage. After this, the child is expected to use it
independently in the prescribed way, with the parent monitoring their

use to ensure it's correct. This is where many homeschoolers trip up
when implementing Montessori - we're not a particularly rigid bunch.
We're more likely to give it to the child, show them how to use it, then
let them do what they want with it. Montessori purists frown upon this.

Collaborative learning is also important. Montessori schools have
multi-age classrooms. Parents of multiple children tend to find that
collaborative learning develops spontaneously while homeschooling.
Parents of only children or small families may need to start a playgroup
or similar to foster collaborative learning. Montessori discourages
competition and builds intrinsic rewards into the activities.

The Good Points
  It’s child-led. Sensitive periods and close observation mean that
  education is matched to ability
  It encourages early academics without stress or pressure
  It encourages and supports independence (great for
  homeschoolers!).
  It’s very hands-on and tactile, which makes the learning more
  interesting and more likely to be retained
  Montessori presents information in multiple formats, which makes it
  more likely to be retained. This is especially great for kids with
  special needs, who may need visual, auditory and tactile resources
  on the same skill presented repeatedly to make it stick.

The Not-so-Good Points
 It’s VERY structured and quite rigid. Some argue that homeschooling
 cannot produce a true Montessori education. They say a home
 cannot reproduce the multi-age classroom dynamic, and that an
 untrained parent is unable to provide proper presentation and use of
 the materials. Whether this matters or whether it is simply a way of
 overcomplicating Montessori and protecting the professionalism of it
 is uncertain. Either way, the parent needs to do a lot of research and
 learning.
 Cost. Montessori requires quite a lot of ‘stuff’. It’s standard to have a
 full set of child-sized kitchenware and cleaning equipment. A list I
 found deemed the following materials essential: Wooden (Knobbed)
 Cylinders – 4 blocks, Pink Tower, Brown Stair (Broad Stair), Red Rods
 (Long Rods), Knobless Cylinders, Color Tablets, Geometry Cabinet,
 Sound Boxes/Cylinders, Rough and Smooth Boards, Smelling Bottles,
 Fabric Box, Mystery Bag, Geometric Solids, sorting exercises,
 Constructive Triangles, Binomial Cube, and Trinomial Cube. That’s
 JUST sensorial – there’s similar lists for language, maths, science, and
 art. Eek! You can do it on a budget, or DIY, but be prepared to be
 envious of other people who have seemingly unlimited funds and
 gorgeous environments.
 The materials are meant to be used in a particular way. Improvisation
 and mixing materials isn’t encouraged
 It’s more suited to younger children than teens
 Some homeschoolers find the practical activities feel false, and would
 rather their children engage in real day-to-day activities rather than
 simulated ones

Further Resources
   Montessori at Home Guide : A Short Guide to a Practical
 Montessori Homeschool for Children Ages 2-6 - A. M. Sterling

                                 Book

Teaching Montessori in the Home: Pre-school Years - Elizabeth
                             G. Hainstock

                                 Book

Montessori from the Start - Paula Polk Lillard & Lynn Lillard
                           Jessen

                                Book

And take a look at my Montessori Homeschooling Pinterest board to
discover fantastic resources that will help you set up your Montessori
                  homeschool - many of them free!

Project-Based
Homeschooling

Project-based homeschooling is based on the Reggio Emilia educational
philosophy. The philosophy developed in the city of Reggio Emilia in
Italy after World War 2, with the work of Loris Malaguzzi, a psychologist.
Still popular in schools, it is usually limited to preschool and primary
school ages.

It is less a method than an approach or philosophy. There’s no
prescribed curriculum, or materials, or developmental expectations. You
can’t train specifically to be a Reggio teacher, and anyone can use the
term Reggio Emilia as there is no accrediting body.

Project-based homeschooling essentially brings Reggio Emilia into the
home, and is suitable for all ages. It was popularised by Lori Pickert,
former owner / director of a Reggio school, and homeschooling mum.

Project-based homeschooling is child directed and child managed. This
means the child takes all the responsibility for their project and their
learning. As a parent, you must resist the urge to step in and be
‘helpful’! The child decides what it is they’d like to learn about. They

choose the resources. They decide on the format, length, and direction
of their learning. They do the work. Similar to unit studies, projects
incorporate many skills across the curriculum. Learning is complex and
layered, and deep. Most projects will incorporate all of the major
learning areas, simply because real-life learning cannot be divided
neatly into subject boxes.

So what do you, the parent, do? Much like unschooling (which PBH
works really well with) you facilitate and provide support. You help the
child learn research skills, take them to places they need to go (library,
historical sites etc.) and ensure they have the supplies and dedicated
space they need. You provide an interested ear, and any help that is
requested. Finally, you help them to prioritise their work, and show
them that you believe it’s important and worthy.

Parents keep a detailed learning journal. This is an integral part of
the method. From regular observation you note behaviour and actions,
and record questions and interests. The journals provide a record of
steps taken, questions asked, and parental observations. They enable
the parent and the child to reflect on and discuss projects that have
been done, and remind children of other interests and questions that
they may have forgotten otherwise. They also show the child that their
work is important, and worthy of your investment of time and attention.

Environment is extremely important. Great lighting, quality
materials and suitable furnishings are essential. The space should be
inviting and comfortable, encouraging your child to work on their
projects. Your child must be able to easily access what they need, to

feel secure in using the space, and not need to stress about making
messes. Antique white tablecloths are out! Bulletin boards and galleries
can help to provide reminders of their work and make it central.

Unlike virtually every other method, Project-Based Homeschooling
doesn’t promote itself as the one and only. If all you want to do is PBH
that’s great. If not, set curriculum or activities from other methods can
easily be done alongside projects. The PBHers won't kick you out, or tell
you you're not 'really' doing Project-Based Homeschooling.

The Good Points
  It's very much child-led and child-centred
  Encourages deep, complex learning
  Children learn how to follow their interests in a purposeful,
  meaningful way
  There's no complexity or dogma, which is refreshing. Project-Based
  Homeschooling focuses on the child and how they learn, without
  making it overly complicated or requiring you to adopt a set of beliefs
  or values that may not match your family.

The Not-so-Good Points
  This might sound strange, but I’m having a lot of trouble finding any
  complaints. The only problems people seem to have about Reggio
  Emilia or Project Based Homeschooling is that it’s impossible to plan.
  If your area requires you to register for homeschooling by submitting
  a learning plan you may need to organise more school-like resources
  to do done alongside PBH. But it allows for that, so there’s no real

issue.
  As it is much less formal and prescribed, parents (and children) who
  like to know exactly what they are expected to do next may have
  trouble adjusting.

Further resources
    Project-Based Homeschooling : Mentoring Self-Directed
                    Learners – Lori Pickert

                                 Book

The must-have book if you're interested in Project-Based Homeschooling

Camp Creek Blog is where Lori Pickert writes, and it's chock-a-block full
  of useful and inspiring information, plus a forum. You can also do a
                               masterclass.

              Read more about homeschooling journals .

  Check out the PBH kids tumblr account for a sample of real projects
                       completed by PBH kids

 Bringing Reggio Emilia Home: An Innovative Approach to Early
           Childhood Education - Louise Boyd Cadwell

                                 Book

    The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia
 Experience in Transformation - Edwards, Gandini and Forman

(Editors)

                                 Book

Also, take a look at my Project-Based Homeschooling Pinterest board to
discover fantastic resources that will help you set up your own Project-
                          Based Homeschool.

Eclectic Homeschooling

Eclectic homeschooling is the style that isn’t a style! Basically, it’s a
catch-all style for people that develop their own way of homeschooling
that doesn’t really fit into any other style.

When you have educational freedom, then fitting yourself into
any educational philosophy, even an alternative one, can be
constricting.

Think of homeschooling like a buffet restaurant. Each style is a specific
diet. Maybe classical is vegetarian, so you’ll skip the meat. Unit study
devotees are lactose intolerant, so won’t choose anything with dairy.
And Montessori can be Paleo – no dinner rolls for them!

If you’re eclectic at the homeschooling buffet, you can choose it all. As
an example, you can use a classical approach to maths and grammar,
do Charlotte Mason nature study, have a Steiner-style morning circle
time, organise a few unit studies based on interests, and incorporate
project-based activities. All together, the activities and approach add up
to a richly varied and comprehensive education.

Most homeschoolers morph into eclectic homeschooling once

they relax and find their groove. No style suits everyone in
everything. And not every style covers everything that you may want to
learn well. The solution is to pick and choose.

Realistically, you're unique. Your children are unique. Your life
circumstances, no matter how boring you think they are, are unique.
Why wouldn't your homeschool style also be uniquely tailored
to you?

The Good Points
  Completely personalised learning. Each child can be given resources
  that are suited to their development level, interests, and ability.
  Choose the best of everything! Eclectic homeschooling allows you to
  choose the resources and activities that suit each particular learning
  area for you
  If you like to keep your options open, you’ll love it
  Strictly adhering to a specific style can be stressful if it doesn’t fit
  perfectly. Allowing yourself to pick and choose removes that stress.
  You can find resources that will be great for varied ages if you have
  more than one child, and spend more time doing work as a family,
  not separately.

The Not-So-Good Points
  You’ll have to review and decide from a greater range of resources. If
  you find a lot of choice overwhelming, this will freak you out.
  You’ll need a greater knowledge of all the different styles and
  approaches, in order to know the options available to you (lucky you

have this ebook, hey?!)
  It can take a while to find your groove, in terms of getting to know
  your child’s interests and abilities intimately, and learning what
  works for your family.

Further resources
   For this style, you really need to DIY! Read through the rest of the
          styles, look at what other people do, and experiment.

Think Outside the Classroom: A Practical Approach to Relaxed
Homeschooling | Kelly Crawford

                             Book | eBook

    The Relaxed Art of Eclectic Homeschooling | Amber Oliver

                                 eBook

 Take a tour through our eclectic homeschool (video and resource list)

I've collected some resources on my Eclectic Homeschooling Pinterest
board to help you work out what to include in your unique homeschool. I
hope you enjoy doing things your own way!

What's your homeschool
adventure?

As you can see from the overview of all the styles, homeschooling really
doesn't have to be school at home! A personalised education is within
reach for every family and every child.

Now you've chosen your own homeschool adventure, or at least
narrowed down your options, it's time to start experimenting.

And always remember............

Use what works for you.

Thanks for reading, and happy homeschooling.

                                                                    made with